Editor’s Be aware: The opinions expressed within the op-ed part are these of the authors and don’t purport to replicate the views of the Kyiv Impartial.
For editorial protection of Ukraine’s weapons procurement, the nation’s Protection Ministry and the scandal-ridden Protection Procurement Company click on on the hyperlinks beneath.
- Outdated guard pushback continues to hang-out Ukraine’s arms procurement cleanup
- Protection Minister Umerov dismisses high official who stood as much as him
- Deputy protection minister resigns following procurement scandal
Ukraine’s struggle for survival has created one of many world’s most pressing — and uniquely demanding — protection markets. For international firms, the door is open, however solely half manner. The necessity is huge: drones, weapons, protecting gear and battlefield expertise are in fixed demand. But entry will not be automated. Success relies upon not solely on high quality merchandise, but in addition on navigating complicated logistics, passing strict vetting, and aligning with Ukraine’s wartime priorities.
The chance is actual — nevertheless it rewards solely those that are severe, clear, and dedicated.
Entrance-line calls for
Whereas Ukraine’s protection procurement follows official necessities, international corporations can nonetheless generate demand from the bottom up. A confirmed technique is to donate or mortgage tools to front-line brigades for trial use.
In Ukraine’s fast-moving fight setting, troopers shortly determine what works. If a brand new drone, sensor, or car proves its value, discipline commanders typically advocate for its inclusion within the official procurement catalog.
As soon as permitted by the Normal Employees and Protection Ministry, the product turns into eligible for buy by companies such because the Protection Procurement Company (DPA).
Battlefield validation is a strong promoting level: a commander’s endorsement can flip a trial package into vital merchandise. Whereas donations contain upfront prices, think about them advertising and marketing on the planet’s most demanding testing floor. In case your gear performs, contracts will comply with.
Simply be sure you coordinate with the army and gather consumer suggestions.
Clearing the hurdles
If there’s curiosity from the army, an organization should navigate Ukraine’s bureaucratic eligibility necessities.
Procurement has quickly professionalized since 2022, with a shift towards NATO-oriented requirements. One key step is codification: any weapon or tools should have a NATO Inventory Quantity (NSN) or equal nationwide code to be formally procured.
Sensible firms ought to begin the codification course of early. Securing an NSN or Ukrainian license plate ensures your merchandise might be referenced in contracts and tracked by provide chains.
Even overseas, Ukrainian codification can function a top quality marker. Whereas not a proper NSN, it alerts the product is battlefield-tested — a worthwhile credential for worldwide patrons.
No Shortcuts
Earlier than successful a contract, international firms have to be verified as eligible suppliers to Ukraine’s Protection Ministry. The nation shifts from advert hoc offers towards a structured whitelist system, coordinated by the Protection Procurement Company (DPA). The DPA operates a single-window utility course of that requires all potential suppliers to finish an in depth questionnaire and submit supporting paperwork.
This isn’t a box-ticking train. The method entails correct due diligence. The appliance covers your product vary, pricing, manufacturing capability, logistics, and a full suite of authorized and company documentation. The ministry needs to know who you might be, what you provide, and whether or not you’re a credible companion.
A background examine follows, together with overview by the DPA’s inside safety unit. Ukraine enforces strict geopolitical purple strains: any ties — direct or oblique — to Russia, Belarus, or Iran will disqualify an applicant.
Full possession transparency is obligatory, together with disclosure of helpful homeowners and affiliated traders. Subcontractors and shareholders should even be screened.
To strengthen your utility, spotlight worldwide certifications corresponding to ISO 9001 or AQAP (Allied High quality Assurance Publication). These point out high quality, traceability, and operational self-discipline — important in fight circumstances.
A clear authorized document can also be essential. Firms with histories of fraud, corruption, or contract breaches are unlikely to be permitted. Whereas efforts to formalize blacklists have confronted authorized challenges, the precept stands: solely trusted suppliers can be invited to bid.
Preparation issues. Assemble incorporation paperwork, monetary information, compliance certifications, and references from earlier authorities contracts. Gaps or inconsistencies can delay or derail your utility.
As soon as permitted and added to the verified suppliers listing, your organization will obtain direct Requests for Proposals when related wants come up.
The Kyiv IndependentRobert Seely
Localise or lose out
In February 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and praised the corporate’s resolution to localize manufacturing in Ukraine. The message is evident: make investments right here, construct right here, combat alongside us.
Zelensky has repeated his imaginative and prescient of Ukraine as a “main army hub” inbuilt partnership with Western protection corporations.
For international firms, long-term success more and more relies on establishing an area presence. Joint ventures, meeting strains, R&D facilities, and even upkeep and restore services can sign intent. Main corporations are already adapting: Rheinmetall is partnering on native manufacturing, Baykar is constructing a drone manufacturing facility close to Kyiv, and BAE Methods is collaborating on home meeting.
Localization is now non-negotiable — each strategically and politically. Ukraine wants safe wartime provide strains and seeks expertise switch to construct a resilient protection business. Officers have made it clear: firms trying solely to “export and neglect” can be changed by people who commit regionally.
International producers ought to due to this fact discover choices to localize elements of their provide chain. This would possibly embrace producing parts in Ukraine, licensing native factories, or coaching Ukrainian employees. These steps not solely strengthen ties with Kyiv however can also unlock incentives corresponding to particular tax circumstances or co-financing.
At a latest protection business discussion board, Zelensky reiterated his purpose that each superior system utilized by the Armed Forces ought to ultimately embrace Ukrainian-made parts or assist.
To achieve this market, international corporations should align with that imaginative and prescient.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s protection market isn’t just a spot to promote. It’s a place to face. The nation is preventing for its survival and rebuilding its protection business on the identical time. It welcomes international cooperation — however by itself phrases: transparency, localization, wartime readiness and shared strategic imaginative and prescient.
Firms that meet these expectations won’t solely achieve entry to main procurement alternatives however can even contribute to one of the consequential protection efforts of our time.
For individuals who are severe — the door is open. Nevertheless it leads to not simple revenue, however to significant partnership.
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The Kyiv IndependentDominic Culverwell